From one small building back in 1953, Shire libraries have grown & evolved to suit the dynamic community they serve. Libraries exist as social spaces that enable learning, relaxation & information access for all.
The first public library in the Sutherland Shire opens its doors in Eton St, Sutherland with over 8000 books. Chief Librarian is W Laurence Brown
At the end of 1953, membership was 1234 adults and 536 juniors.
Sutherland Library begins to take reference enquiries from the public, responding to a wide range of questions and queries. We will forever wonder what the very first question asked of a Librarian on the reference desk was...
Staff at the Sutherland Library begin to ask the public for ephemera, photographs and information related to the Sutherland Shire area. This was all added to the Local Studies collection.
After a full year of operation, a total of 7337 books were issued. that's an average of 306 daily issues. There were also over 7000 borrowers and had been 162,298 loans in total. Chief Librarian is Mr W Laurence Brown.
Located in the Cronulla School of Arts. Branch Librarian was Mrs P Burges.
Located in the School of Arts on Kiora Road, Miranda. Branch Librarian was Mrs A F Bramble.
Chief Librarian Charles E Smith resigns with seven other members of staff. Miss Merle Hanson appointed Chief Librarian
Charles E Smith re-appointed Chief Librarian
Bernard Sargeant was appointed as Deputy Chief Librarian.
Sylvania branch Library opens as a library deposit station' in the Basement of Boomerang Hall, staffed by volunteers.
The team of staff outside Sutherland central library in Eton St. Find out more about who is in the photo through our Flickr Page.
Chief Librarian Mr Charles Smith resigns (appointed City Librarian, Newcastle). Position offered to Deputy Chief Librarian Bernard Sargeant. Rex Whalan appointed Dep Chief in his stead.
Library agrees to participate in 'subject specialisation' program. One of Sutherland Library's subject areas was psychology.
A new way of checking out books was introduced using a camera to take pictures of information on cards which included the name of the patron and the item they were taking home
Miranda Library moved to Miranda Fair Shopping Centre which opened on Kingsway and included the new library within the complex.
Central Library Sutherland relocated to the new Council Administration Centre in Eton Street Sutherland.
The Sutherland Library changes its name to Central Library
Caringbah Branch Library opened in former Church of England buidling in President Avenue Caringbah
A home delivery service of books for the aged. Items are selected by library staff based on the person's preferences, packed in bags and a driver delievers the bag to the patron's home.
It was the first purpose built Library. It was located in Station Street Engadine and open to the public on 20 December 1968. Councillor Alan Benn opened it officially on 29th March 1969
Miranda Branch Library was closed on the 10 July 1971 in order to make the old premises available to Westfield for conversion to other facilities. The new premises was reopened on 5th October.
A dedicated position created to assist readers find information. In April a foreign language collection was introduced. The hours at the Central Library Sutherland were extended to 9.00pm week nights
A dedicated position created to assist with management of the development and selection of items for the collection.
On the 1st December a branch library was opened at Bundeena. It was located in the public school.
The adult and junior sections of the Cronulla Branch Library which had been housed in separate buildings were reunited in the old Methodist church in Surf Road Cronulla. It was reopened on 8th December 1975.
Diana Oliver was promoted to the position of Chief Librarian.
Central Library closes to allow for changes arising from Administration Building extensions. Closed for about a month limited service was provided from a cottage 10 Stapleton Avenue Sutherland
Bernard Sargeant the Chief Librarian resigned effective 3rd December 1976.
Chris WIlliams was appointed to the position of Deputy Librarian. He held this position until March 1978 when he resigned. He was replaced by Maureen Weston
This audio format was introduced to the Library. Commercially produced cassettes were able to be borrowed. In addition to all forms of music there was a spoken work section which included learning foreign languages.
The Library service celebrates 25 years of service to the community.
Approval was given for the introduction of computerised systems over the period 1980-1982. Circulation went online in October 1981.
A Reader Education Librarian position was created to assist readers locate information at Central Library Sutherland. Talks and training on how to use library resources were also part of the job description.
Central Library Sutherland extends hours to open after 12 noon to 4.00 pm on Saturdays.
Lyn Barakat is appointed as the new Deputy Librarian after Maureen Weston resigns.
The Library celebrated 30 years of service to the community on the 29 November 1983
The library in Miranda Fair relocates to a new free standing building in Wandella Road.
A new branch Library was opened at Bangor in the shopping centre.
Sunday opening for Central Library Sutherland commenced on 2 September. The hours were from 12 noon to 4.00pm.
The new Sylvania Branch Library is relocated to the Southgate Shopping Centre in Port Hacking Road. It is officially opened on March 23.
A fire at Caringbah Branch Library completely destroys the building and it's contents.
The newly constructed building for Caringbah Branch Library is opened in Port Hacking Road Caringbah.
Due to the popularity of the video format the Library Service purchases educational videos for loan.
Diana Oliver, Chief Librarian was honoured with a fellowship from the professional library organisation ALIA for her outstanding contribution to librarianship.
"The What" a kids magazine of information, puzzles and jokes prepared by the staff of the Children's Department celebrated this important milestone.
Diana Oliver was appointed Director of a newly created division within Council which incorporated the Library and Community Services.
A Business Information service was launched in October 1991 to serve the needs of the local business community.
The inhouse Library Management system was converted to the commercially produced DYNIX system. This went live on the 14 April 1992
The Library closes its doors at Eton Street, Sutherland to move to its new location in Belmont Street Sutherland.
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